Buol said, "During the past year, of the State's largest metros, Dubuque remains the only city with a job growth rate of over 2 percent. "

Buol pointed to the city's public/private partnerships as a method of keeping Dubuque's property tax rate low. It's the second lowest, among the 9 largest cities in Iowa. Still, that rate is set to increase.

"In fiscal year 2014, the property tax rate will increase from $10.32 per thousand of assessed value to $11.03," said Buol. "This will result in an increase of almost $33 in 2014 for the average residential property owner. "